Views after 2-1 Boro U21's victory

'Defense not really troubled first half, apart from when Brown dallied and let their attacker in, second half was a different story and first 20, Boro really took the game to us. We looked shaky with Mo partnering Foster, but to be fair to Luke, he got us out of jail 2-3 times when it looked like we would go behind. Offensively though, we looked sharp, incisive and dangerous, hopefully will be a handful for normal Skrill league teams!. Stand out players for me were Newton, Nolan, Wright and Yussuf again but all in all a really good workout for the lads and that should give us confidence. Really enjoyable and entertaining game for the small crowd, and answering an early comment, pricing and strange kick off times wont have helped as a lot will prob pick Scunthorpe and Boston ahead of Sund/Boro?'

'Decent win today, I thought Wright and Yussuf were the best two players but Nolan and Power were also good. Rob Makepeace reckons Foster will sign shortly, which is ideal as Fofana is evidently NOT a defender.'

'Foster did play well when he came on, at times in the centre it was mainly just him against Boro second half. Fairhurst has disappointed me to be honest BUT he hasn't really played up front. Again he played mainly from a deeper role and didn't really get into the game, Tomlinson also was in and out a little, but I think all this is because we have these offensive options and not enough places to play them all. Its a good problem to have and currently I am not sure which forward options Simmo would go with but looks likely Rowe, Yussuf and Wright will be 3 of them?'

'I was very happy with what I saw today. Team looked very solid from back to front from the start. With Miller still to come back in, I think he will make an appearance on Tuesday things can only strengthen. Foster looked rock solid when he came on in the second half. Would appear from the radio reports and interviews that there is a deal on the table for him if he wishes to sign it. Get on and do it Fozzy please. Looked a bit of a shambles up front when the changes were made in the second half but after 10 minutes things settled down and we looked capable of scoring goals. All in all I was very encouraged. Against a good side we more than held our own. In a fortnight the important games will begin and then we will find out just where we are. Looking forward to it.'

'Best performance of this pre-season, for me. I think Wright did well but still has a lot more to give, as at times he was a little sluggish, and seemed to think he was quicker than he actual was when he knocked the ball past a defender. Yussuf could be the next Carayol, and if a scout catches him on a good day could attract interest from bigger clubs. Tomlinson's a busy player who'll work hard in attack and defence, whilst Rowe has real quality on the ball. Power and Nolan worked well together in central-midfield, and so, against teams that we expect to beat, I'd be happy to see those two start with Mo on the bench. Fairhurst looks to have a lot of fitness work still to do, but by all accounts he's more of a penalty box striker than anyone else, and so he hasn't really had the chances to show what he can do. Boyce was fairly good today, and Foster looks class. I'd have those two as my first-choice pairing if Foster does sign, whilst Newton seems to be improving with every game. Gray did a job but, for the width he provides, I think that against the lesser clubs I'd be tempted to play Sheridan ahead of Miller at right-back. Positive signs!'

'Still think this defence thing is being over-cooked. 'Boro were 1-0 down at half-time. They were always going to come at us at the beginning of the second half and I thought we coped very well. Foster stood out compared to Fofana but then you would expect that as he is nearly 30 and has played CB all his career. For me Mo was adequate in defence against some quality attackers. Would love to see Foster sign now as he is class and may well be a first choice given yesterday's performance. If he doesn't then Mr Simpson has already said he has other options. There will be another defender in as I understand it and we do look a solid team from front to back. Fairhurst has shown virtually nothing and Tomlinson did not do a lot yesterday either. Plenty of options throughout the squad for me. I am reasonably happy.'